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Travel day by train
The route is long and involves a change of train in Paris – allow plenty of time for the connection.
Changing stations in Paris (Gare de l'Est to Gare de Lyon) takes time; don't book the tightest possible connection.
A long leg — build in some breaks.
This is where your journey begins. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, the train heads south.
Barcelona makes a natural stopover on this long rail journey: rather than travelling it all in one day, you spend the night here and can still stroll through the Eixample district in the evening. The next morning, you continue on to Valencia at a relaxed pace.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival at your base
After the train journey, a relaxed afternoon in the old town is plenty – the market and the Lonja are right next to each other.
Drop your luggage off at your accommodation before heading out.
Joaquín Sorolla station is Valencia's long-distance rail station and sits right next to the historic Estació del Nord. From here it's just a few minutes' walk into the city centre.
One of the largest and most beautiful Art Nouveau market halls in Europe, set beneath a magnificent dome of coloured tiles and glass. Here it smells of fresh fish, ham and oranges, giving you a first taste of Valencian cuisine. A good spot for a snack at a standing table.
The Gothic silk exchange opposite the market is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its spiral-twisted columns showing off the golden age of medieval trade. The courtyard with its orange trees invites you to linger. Admission is cheap and the visit doesn't take long.
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A centrally located holiday flat in the old town district of Ciutat Vella is ideal as a base: everything important is within walking distance, and for your car days you'll find car parks or resident parking nearby. From here you can set off both on foot around the city and on your excursions by hire car.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Modern architecture and science
The science complex can easily fill half a day to a full day – decide in advance whether the museum, the aquarium or both appeal to you.
In spring it's often already warm during the day; bring water and sun protection.
This futuristic ensemble by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela sits in the former riverbed of the Turia and is Valencia's architectural landmark. You can visit the Science Museum, the Oceanogràfic aquarium and the opera house, or simply stroll between the white buildings and water basins. There's plenty to see here for a whole day.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The nine-kilometre-long green belt in the drained riverbed of the Turia runs through the entire city and is Valencia's green lifeline. On the way back from the science complex, it's a pleasant stroll under palm trees and over bridges back into the old town. A lovely contrast to the architecture.
Historic Valencia on foot
A car-free day entirely on foot – ideal between the two excursion days.
Set aside some time at midday for tapas in the Barrio del Carmen.
The Cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles and houses a chalice revered as the Holy Grail. Climbing the octagonal bell tower, El Miguelete, rewards you with a sweeping view over the rooftops of the old town. From the tower you get the best sense of the city's layout.
Next to the Cathedral lies the atmospheric square with the Turia fountain; from here the lively old town district of Barrio del Carmen unfolds, with narrow lanes, bars and street art. A good spot to eat tapas at midday and watch city life go by. The Torres de Serranos towers are a quick walk away.
One of Spain's most important art museums, with works by Sorolla, Velázquez and Goya, and free to visit too. The light-filled building on the edge of the Turia park is well suited to a quieter afternoon. A highlight of the city for anyone interested in art.
Rice fields, cuisine and beach
Short driving distances, plenty of time by the lake and on the beach – a relaxed day with the car.
For sunset over the Albufera, it's worth scheduling the boat trip for late afternoon.
The most convenient place to pick up your hire car is at Joaquín Sorolla station or Manises Airport – both are quickly reached from the centre. Booking in advance is significantly cheaper and saves waiting time. For these short day trips, a compact car is enough.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Spain's largest freshwater lake is surrounded by rice fields and is an important bird sanctuary. From the village of El Palmar you can take a boat trip across the lagoon, especially lovely at sunset. Paella Valenciana was invented among these rice fields – this is where it tastes most authentic.
El Palmar is considered the birthplace of genuine Paella Valenciana with chicken, rabbit and beans, cooked over a wood fire. In the village's restaurants you get it just as it was originally meant to be. It's best to order it at midday, as paella is traditionally a lunchtime dish.
Valencia's wide city beach with its long promenade invites you to stroll and linger in the afternoon. The beach bars and fish restaurants along the Paseo Marítimo make a lovely way to round off the day's excursion. In mild spring weather, it's often enough for the first hours of sunshine by the sea.
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Roman theatre and vineyards
Two separate destinations in one day – total driving time stays just under three hours.
If you want to try the wine, decide in advance who's driving, or book a transfer for the bodega visit.
The restored Roman theatre on the hillside of Sagunto is one of the oldest in Spain and is still used for performances today. Above it stands the sprawling castle, from where you look out over orange groves to the sea. An impressive place with over two thousand years of history.
The hinterland around Requena is one of the region's most important wine-growing areas, known for Bobal grapes and Cava sparkling wine. In the historic old town of La Villa and the surrounding bodegas you can taste wine and visit the underground vaulted cellars. A quiet, less touristy contrast to the coast.
Castle town or market day
Xàtiva rounds off the excursions into the hinterland; if you'd rather rest, you can also spend this day relaxing in Valencia.
Return the hire car on this day – you won't need it again from tomorrow.
The double castle complex above Xàtiva stretches along a long ridge and offers a wide view over the La Costera region. The fortress was once the birthplace of two Borgia popes and is easily reached by hire car on your last day with the car. The climb is well worth the view.
The elegant Art Nouveau market hall from 1916 now serves as a stylish meeting point with cafés, a horchatería and tapas stalls. On the evening you return, it's a lovely place to round off the day with a horchata and fartons. The delicate brick and iron architecture is worth a look in itself.
Farewell to Valencia
The return journey by train again involves changes in Barcelona and Paris – if possible, split it over two days or plan a very early start.
Check your train connections and seat reservations the day before.
This mighty Gothic city gate from the 14th century was once part of the city walls and offers a lovely farewell view over the old town and the Turia park from the top. A short climb on your last morning before heading to the station. All around, there's still time for one last café con leche.
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From Joaquín Sorolla station you set off on your journey home by train. Via Barcelona and Paris, you head back to Frankfurt. Allow plenty of time for connections on this long journey.
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